Absolute Death Game

Before him was a bamboo forest that looked like a scene out of an Immortal Realm, incomparable to the desolate wilderness of the Misty Forest. A flagstone path ran through the bamboo, heading straight into the depths of the valley, leading unexpectedly to a group of buildings in the style of ancient Chinese architecture.

On a nearby archway were inscribed three characters brimming with spiritual energy—Mystic Hollow Palace.

At this moment, Xiao Buli couldn't help but reflect on his luck. If it wasn't for the corpse he had stumbled upon, or if he hadn't thrown that copper coin, he would probably still be wandering in the labyrinth. Could this be the power of those seventeen points of Luck Value?

But how could that be possible? The corpse had clearly been lying in the labyrinth for quite some time. Could it be that if he only had seven points of luck, the corpse would have suddenly vanished? Or perhaps the idea of Luck Value was merely psychological, with no real effect at all.

He really couldn't figure it out at the moment. The clues he had were too few, and the matter itself had already exceeded his understanding.

Just as Xiao Buli was pondering over this question, the sound of the system prompt brought him back to his senses, refocusing his attention on the game.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

System Prompt: Player Xiao Buli, you have discovered the hidden area—Mystic Hollow Palace and achieved the title—Explorer, increasing your Prestige Points by 10.

Explorer (Achievement): Discover an unknown hidden area that is not known to the world.

The game also has achievements? Xiao Buli found it somewhat amusing, but he was unsure what use Prestige Points had.

Next, he prepared to explore Mystic Hollow Palace. Looking at the Taoist-style architecture in front of him, he felt a tingling sensation of excitement. Mystic Hollow Palace, both by its location and by its name, seemed to have a significant connection to Taoism. How marvelous it would be if he could find Immortal Taoists living inside?

Furthermore, imagine if he could become a cultivator—that would be amazing.

The thought of using spells in real life even made the usually composed Xiao Buli somewhat excited.

However, the more excited he became, the more cautious he was. He opened the title panel and activated the title "A Good Person." There was no standard known for ancient scholars seeking disciples, but generally, good people should have an easier time than bad, right? Having such a title should definitely score him some points.

With the title activated, Xiao Buli limped along the small path through the bamboo forest towards the valley. The closer he got, the more he marveled at the tranquil elegance and ancient oriental charm of the architecture. It wasn't long before he arrived at the main hall of Mystic Hollow Palace, where two imposing stone lions stood outside the entrance.

Initially thinking they were merely decorative, Xiao Buli was startled to find they had health bars upon targeting with his mouse.

Armored Xuan Lion (Rune Puppet): Unactivated, they were both high-ranking elites with dark blue names.

Even the gatekeepers were formidable. Mystic Hollow Palace indeed was no ordinary place, and seeing this, Xiao Buli slowed his pace.

As he hesitated, a Taoist Boy named Qingfeng Mingyue emerged from the palace gate, "My Palace Master summons you inside."

With no other choice, Xiao Buli no longer hesitated and stepped toward the gate. As he entered, he saw an elderly Taoist with silver hair like snow, clad in a Wuji Dao Robe, sitting on a futon in the center of the great hall. Upon checking his name, it showed as Xuanxu Zi (Palace Master of Mystic Hollow Palace).

Strangely, this NPC was only a White Name.

Xuanxu Zi gestured with his whisk to the futon on the ground, signaling Xiao Buli to sit down. Once Xiao Buli was seated, he asked, "Who are you, and what brings you here?"

"I am merely an adventurer who was traveling with a caravan to Nine Dragons City. I did not expect to be intercepted by Black Mountain Bandits on the way. In the process of fleeing, I lost touch with my companions, and later, to escape a hungry tiger, I fell down a cliff. I was then forced into a labyrinth, and after wandering for a considerable time, I finally emerged and arrived here.

I had no intention of causing disturbance, I seek your forgiveness."

Xiao Buli tried his best to narrate the sequence of events using the linguistic style commonly used by NPCs, without hiding any details. Since the other party could guess his arrival, perhaps he could predict the future using spells; concealing the truth might not bode well. Besides, there was nothing to hide, to begin with.

"Hehe, it's rare for someone to navigate through the Ninety-Nine Linked Rings Formation outside. Ordinary people mostly cannot make it through. Could it be that you have some exceptional ability?"

Xiao Buli dared not hide anything. Who knew whether the NPCs in this game shared system resources? It was better to tell the truth.

"It's not that I have any particular skills. By chance, I noticed a corpse at a node, which gave me an epiphany. Otherwise, with such a sophisticated formation, I really don't know if I could have made it out."

The Palace Master Xuanxu Zi smiled slightly, apparently quite pleased with the subtle compliment.

"Do not belittle yourself. Regardless of the reasons, the fact that you have emerged from the Ninety-Nine Linked Rings Formation is laudable. Moreover, to be forthright without boasting about your achievement is commendable in a young person like you."

Hearing the words of Xuanxu Zi, Xiao Buli quickly replied in agreement, "When I fell down the cliff, I broke my leg. I wish to recuperate here for some time, and I would be grateful if the revered immortal would accommodate me."

Xuanxu Zi gently stroked his silver beard, "Hmm, your countenance does seem to be that of a benevolent person. Very well, you may stay in this valley for three days. However, once you recover after three days, you must leave."

Xiao Buli was initially taken aback by the swift agreement. Had he really gone through the entire labyrinth ordeal only to be allowed to stay for three days and then be asked to leave? Surely this couldn't be the case.

But he did not become discouraged. Such matters were certainly not that simple; otherwise, among the veteran members, not one in ten would have a blue-named profession. It seemed further exploration was required, and three days should be enough.

At that moment, Xuanxu Zi spoke again, "As to your leg injury, take this elixir first."

A pop-up window appeared on the screen. Xuanxu Zi wants to trade with you, do you accept, yes/no?

Upon clicking yes, an additional elixir appeared in the trade bar.

After the exchange, Xiao Buli clicked on it with his mouse.

Bone Healing Elixir: A miraculous healing elixir that, once taken, can eliminate all negative statuses related to sprains and bruises.

What a great item, Xiao Buli thought to himself, and without another word, he consumed it. The DEBUFF of his lame leg above his head instantly vanished. The remedy was truly instant, proving Xuanxu Zi to be indeed a hermit of exceptional skill.

"The Immortal's elixir works wonders, it truly fills me with utmost admiration. I must confess, since childhood, I have aspired to become a doctor, to heal the world. I earnestly request the Immortal to accept me as an apprentice," Xiao Buli said as he opened the emotes action bar and knelt down straight in front of Xuanxu Zi.

His intention to take on a master was not to learn medicine—though it wouldn't be bad as a Life Skill—but with modern medicine being so advanced, it wouldn't be that useful in reality. Compared to that, he was more interested in learning Spell-like supernatural abilities.

However, asking directly to learn spells seemed too abrupt and was unlikely to succeed. It could even cause Xuanxu Zi's antipathy. Thus, Xiao Buli took this indirect approach to win his favor. Once accepted into Xuanxu Zi's tutelage, he might be able to learn any spells early on.

Yet Xuanxu Zi remained unmoved, "Although your aspiration is commendable, I do not accept disciples lightly. You'd better heal yourself and leave early. Qingfeng Mingyue, see our guest out."

After saying all this, Xuanxu Zi closed his eyes to meditate and spoke no more.

A system notification once again appeared on Xiao Buli's screen.

System notification: Based on your performance in the conversation, Xuanxu Zi's favorability toward you has increased by 25 points, and your Prestige in Mystic Hollow Palace has increased by 50 points.

Prestige!? Xiao Buli's heart leaped with joy; he was very familiar with this concept.

The Taoist Boy's name was Qingfeng Mingyue, Xiao Buli thought, usually shouldn't there be two people? But more pressing matters were at hand. Following Qingfeng Mingyue to the guest room, and after Qingfeng Mingyue left, Xiao Buli hurriedly opened his own Prestige tab.

As he was checking, he realized four Prestige systems had already been activated in his Prestige tab.

Dahuang Village: Amiable Prestige—535/1000. After spending time with you, the villagers of Dahuang Village have become quite familiar with you, and their attitude towards you has become friendly.

Grand Yin Sect: Indifferent 0/300. Although you haven't actively clashed or conducted any hostile actions against the Grand Yin Sect, as a mysterious and inscrutable organization, they maintain a high level of wariness towards all outsiders.

Black Mountain Bandits: Indifferent 0/300. Although you haven't actively clashed or conducted any hostile actions against the Black Mountain Bandits, as a bandit group known for their looting and pillaging, they maintain a high level of wariness towards all outsiders.

Mystic Hollow Palace: Neutral 50/300. You have not had much interaction with Mystic Hollow Palace yet, hence their attitude towards you will be entirely determined by your future actions.

Clearly, Prestige was crucial. There was no chance of becoming an apprentice while neutral, but if he could raise his Prestige to friendly, he assumed it would likely lead to a successful apprenticeship. The recent conversation with Xuanxu Zi had netted him 50 Prestige points, but this was probably a one-time thing for a first meeting, and the title 'A Good Person' surely also lent a big help.

Considering 25 points of favorability corresponded to 50 Prestige points, that meant 1 point of favorability equaled two Prestige points.

Since Xuanxu Zi's favorability could increase Prestige, favorability from others in Mystic Hollow Palace should, too. However, he only had three days to make use of this, so he had to act quickly.

Although Xuanxu Zi had told him not to wander around, just staying in the guest room wouldn't raise his Prestige. After some thought, Xiao Buli decided to venture out.

He left the guest room and, not daring to bother Xuanxu Zi, followed a small path deep into the valley.

After winding his way through, he arrived at the front of an ancient temple. This temple, compared to the surrounding buildings, looked out of place, old and worn. There was also a huge talisman drawn on the door, apparently sealing something inside.

Just as Xiao Buli was about to get a closer look, he suddenly heard a cold shout, "Who dares to trespass into Mystic Hollow Palace."

PS: There will be recommendations next week, at which time I should be able to maintain two updates per day.